We love curries around here. Our children have had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of curried dishes from a young age. Their taste buds know the flavors well. I made this recipe for dinner tonight and there was very little conversation during mealtime. A sign of a good meal!

I've been very busy lately with my garden projects. I'll post photos to my blog soon! I also recently took a solo trip for six days to Breitenbush Hot Springs and the Oregon Coast. It was so lovely to get away and relax for a while!

Every day, millions of people walk through life carrying symptoms they’ve come to normalize: bloating after meals, fatigue that never lifts, skin rashes, joint pain, brain fog, chronic sinus issues, or relentless anxiety. They reach for antacids, pain relievers, or other quick fixes—attempting to silence the body’s signals instead of pausing to ask what those symptoms are truly trying to reveal. Every symptom is a doorway into reclaiming your health and your life. They are not signs that your body is broken—they are signs that your body is speaking. That something within you is asking to be witnessed, nourished, and healed. Meet your symptoms as an ally to your growth and healing. Food sensitivities are not merely about "cutting out the wrong foods." They are a sign that the inner terrain—the gut, the immune system, the nervous system—is asking for restoration.

Light, refreshing, and full of spring's intoxicating flavors—rosemary, thyme, oregano, and chives, along with fresh dandelion greens, peas, and lemon—this quinoa salad is balanced and super nutritious. I've added salmon and sheep's feta but it can be made vegan too. In fact, once you have the quinoa cooked, and tossed with the simple herb dressing below, the options for creativity are endless.

Back to the blog at last! I am sharing with you today one of our favorite high protein smoothies, without protein powder! Soaked raw almonds: one of nature's most digestible vegan protein sources. We've probably made every variation under the sun when it comes to a soaked almond smoothie, but since it is spring, it is time for the Strawberry Almond Smoothie to make an appearance on this blog.

Today I have a very unique recipe to share. A gluten-free bread recipe that needs to be kneaded! It is made of whole grain flours and is also free of xanthan gum, starches, nuts, eggs, and dairy. Last August I began creating kneadable dinner rolls and braided bread free of the above mentioned ingredients. But something was missing. You see, I grew up making whole wheat bread from scratch with my mother. When I was two years old I was at the counter kneading bread. In high school I would bake my own bread for sandwiches. I have missed the feel of bread dough.

These moist, delicious, high-protein gluten-free, sugar-free bars are made with almond flour, carob powder, and a touch of cinnamon. They are sweetened only with mashed banana and liquid stevia. Carob powder is naturally sweet unlike cocoa powder which is very bitter. This means that you do not need to add massive amounts of sweetener as you need to with cocoa powder.

Carob is also a decent source of protein and high in calcium. Although carob doesn't taste like chocolate, it does have a sweet, nutty, molasses-like flavor that adds depth and a unique taste to your baked goods.

For the past few months, citrus and cabbage have become some of my favorite two foods! This scrumptious salad combines them both. I use napa cabbage which is a very mild, tender cabbage. It is also a favorite vegetable of our children. My oldest daughter likes to pack napa cabbage in her lunch! All four of our children devour this salad in no time!

This vibrant Thai-inspired slaw is one of those easy, throw-together meals that feels both deeply satisfying and refreshingly light. It starts with leftover chicken and a crunchy base of napa cabbage and carrots, tossed with a zesty ginger-almond butter dressing that’s bursting with flavor—think lime juice, garlic, fresh ginger, and a touch of sriracha for gentle heat.

This easy rockfish taco recipe makes a nutrient-dense weeknight dinner that’s full of bold flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes. Rockfish, a lean whitefish native to the West Coast, is quick to cook and rich in high-quality protein and omega-3s. But don’t worry if you don’t have access to rockfish—any thin, flaky whitefish such as cod, snapper, or tilapia will work beautifully. The star of this recipe is the creamy avocado-cilantro sauce with a spicy kick, perfect for spooning over warm tortillas and your favorite taco toppings.

I have been making this soup a lot these days. It is spicy, warming, and healing....just perfect to help kick this cold I've had. First I make a simple broth using bone-in chicken breasts, a bunch of chopped fresh ginger, a whole head of garlic, fresh lemongrass, and a few cups of chopped shiitake mushrooms. Once this has simmered for a few hours, I strain it and add fresh vegetables, the cooked chicken, and some Thai rice noodles into the pot. We top each bowl with chopped napa cabbage, basil, and cilantro. And for the grown-ups only, sliced fresh Thai chiles!

These quinoa bowls are light, fresh, and bursting with vibrant flavor—perfect for celebrating the season of renewal. Cooked quinoa is tossed with chickpeas, snap peas, finely chopped arugula, fresh chives, dill, parsley, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice to create a deeply nourishing salad that’s easy to love. It’s a wonderful recipe to prepare in advance and enjoy for lunches throughout the week, or to serve as part of a spring holiday gathering.

This simple, naturally sweet charoset recipe is a meaningful addition to your Passover table—or to any springtime meal celebrating renewal and connection. Crisp apples are finely grated and folded together with roasted ground walnuts, a touch of honey, warm cinnamon, and a splash of fresh orange juice. The result is a fragrant, slightly textured mixture that’s both symbolic and deeply nourishing.

This naturally fermented buckwheat bread is made with just three ingredients—soaked raw buckwheat groats, water, and salt—yet it transforms into a beautifully airy, subtly tangy loaf with a soft, spongy texture. It’s a nourishing, gluten-free, and vegan option for anyone seeking a simple, gut-friendly alternative to traditional bread. Once blended and left to ferment, the batter becomes naturally leavened, creating a light rise without the need for yeast or baking powder.

Happy Valentines Day! I wanted to share this luscious truffle recipe made with goji berries. The filling is a deep red color covered in dark chocolate. What could be better on a day like today? Oh, and it only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to prepare!

Are you in the mood for something a little cleansing after the holidays? Me too. This blanched kale salad is uber nutritious and easy on the digestive system. Pomegranates are almost out of season so eat 'em up while you still can. Our children go through one to two every morning this time of year.

If you are craving something sweet and simple this holiday season then this recipe might be quite perfect. Making your own caramel corn using maple syrup is quick and easy! Bring a bowlful to your next holiday party or place it in a holiday tin and give it as a gift to a teacher. All you need to make this is an 8-quart pot, a small saucepan, two large bowls, and a large cookie sheet.

Our bodies are always speaking to us. And at some point, the signs become too loud to ignore. We wake up tired. Our digestion feels off. We are holding on to extra weight. Our skin flares, our moods swing, and we barely recognize the energy we once had. We know we aren’t eating the way we should—but we also don’t know where to begin. It all feels overwhelming, so we keep putting it off. And eventually, we begin to wonder...“Is this just how I’m supposed to feel now?” When your body feels inflamed, tired, bloated, or foggy—despite your best efforts to eat well—it may be a sign of hidden inflammation quietly impacting your energy, digestion, and clarity. Through a therapeutic, whole foods-based approach, the Anti-Inflammatory Diet offers a powerful path to restore balance by removing common food triggers, calming the immune system, and nourishing your body at a cellular level.

There comes a moment, often disguised as discomfort, when you know it’s time to change. Time to stop shrinking into old patterns that once kept you safe, but now keep you stuck. Time to step over the edge of the known and into the luminous unknown where real change begins. But if you’ve ever tried to shift your diet, a habit, a thought loop, or a way of being that feels like second nature, you know how hard it can be. Your mind may long for transformation, but your nervous system clings to the familiar—even when it no longer serves. This isn’t weakness. It’s biology. Your brain is wired to protect you—to favor what’s known, what feels safe, what conserves energy. It stores habits—of thought, behavior, even self-talk—like well-worn trails in the forest. Walking a new path requires effort, repetition, and, most of all, self-love.

Today I am sharing my mother's Puttanesca sauce recipe. Nearly every Christmas Eve that I can remember, she makes this sauce to serve over pasta. Can you imagine what it would be like to not be able to feed your family this Christmas? I can't. This is why I am excited to tell you that I am one of over 60 food bloggers participating in a campaign to increase awareness of childhood hunger this holiday season.

Our pantry and refrigerator are brimming with root vegetables this time of year. What better way to enjoy them than with a savory curry sauce? This recipe is vegan though it could be modified to add chicken or beef if desired. Another option would be to add a few cups of cooked garbanzo beans. Mmmmm, yum!

This Mediterranean-inspired black lentil salad is bursting with flavor and phytonutrients. Earthy lentils mingle with a vibrant parsley-mint pesto for a refreshing, high-fiber dish rich in plant-based protein and antioxidant compounds. Perfect for make-ahead lunches, spring and summer gatherings, or served alongside roasted fish and sautéed dark leafy greens for a complete, nourishing meal.

These grilled rosemary-balsamic lamb chops are deeply flavorful and surprisingly simple to prepare. A quick marinade of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and fresh rosemary infuses the meat with earthy, aromatic notes. While you can find pre-cut lamb chops at most markets—such as rib chops or loin chops—I prefer to buy a whole rack of lamb and slice it into individual chops myself. It’s easier than you might think, and ensures beautifully even pieces for grilling. Serve with roasted vegetables and a fresh herby salad for a nutrient-dense meal.

These avocado-dill deviled eggs are a fresh, mayo-free twist on a classic. Creamy avocado replaces mayonnaise, offering a dose of healthy fats, fiber, and vibrant green color—perfect for springtime celebrations like Easter, Mother’s Day, or outdoor brunches. Infused with fresh dill and lemon, they’re light, flavorful, and nutrient-dense—simple to make, and always a crowd favorite.

As I mentioned in my last post, I have a few Thanksgiving side dish recipes to share.

These grain-free, egg-free peanut butter cookie bars strike the perfect balance between crispy edges and a gooey, chewy center. Made with creamy peanut butter, a hint of coconut sugar, and studded with dark chocolate chips, they’re rich, satisfying, and naturally gluten-free. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, these bars come together effortlessly—perfect for lunchbox treats, after-school snacks, or anytime you're craving something sweet and nourishing.

The wintery blast that hit us last night brought snow and hot cocoa too. I had some vegetable side dish recipes to post for Thanksgiving....but hot cocoa calls when the wind is whipping and the snow is falling! We woke up this morning to a couple of inches of snow on the ground and the kids decided to go out early to play. After a few hours of sledding and a couple of snow ball fights, they came inside with frozen hands and hungry bellies. I made them some snacks and a batch of this rich and creamy dairy-free hot cocoa.

Some of us don’t just feel digestive distress—we feel like our bodies have become unpredictable strangers. When every bite becomes a question mark, how do we find our way back to trust, ease, and belonging in our own skin? For those living with persistent digestive issues, eating is rarely simple. Even healthy foods like garlic, onions, apples, and lentils can set off a cascade of symptoms. The gut becomes a battleground. The joy of food disappears. And we’re left asking: Will I ever feel normal again? In the remove and replace phase of healing, we eliminate problematic foods and replace them with nourishing alternatives—foods that calm inflammation, soothe the digestive tract, and help regulate immune function. This is the part of the journey where rebuilding begins.

This past evening we celebrated Martinmas, the day of St. Martin, with a lantern walk. My daughter's kindergarten class all made their own lanterns using watercolor paper and tissue paper. With their candles burning bright, we headed out into the cold, starry night to walk the wooded trails, singing our lantern songs. This time reminds us to bring light into the world at a time of year when the Earth is beginning to turn inward.

Ever tried black quinoa? It is delicious, and very nutty-flavored. A bit fibrous. Great for salads. It cooks up quickly like its white counterpart. This quinoa salad embodies the flavors of autumn. Roasted sugar pie pumpkin with a hint of cinnamon combined with dried cranberries, roasted pecans, shallots, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for a simple, nutritious lunch or as part of your Thanksgiving feast.

Lentils are what we make for dinner if I have not planned ahead of time to soak beans or buy ingredients for a meal. Lentils are inexpensive and cook quickly without the need for soaking. However, if you are gluten-sensitive or celiac, there is one thing you need to know about lentils. They are often cross-contaminated with gluten grains. 

Warning: Kale Chips are highly addictive! There are so many different ways to make kale chips. Usually I just toss kale pieces in olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Blended cashews, red peppers, lemon, and nutritional yeast is another popular combination. Here I combine a little almond butter, lime, olive oil, maple syrup, and chili flakes to create a very addictive, yet healthy snack. This kale chip recipe is the perfect thing to bring to any spooky Halloween parties you may be attending this weekend!

After multiple failed attempts to create a grain-free, nut-free, refined sugar-free cupcake recipe I finally got it! We couldn't decide whether or not to call these muffins or cupcakes.....so when frosted they are cupcakes and when plain they are muffins. I sweeten these little treats using pureed medjool dates. Combined with the coconut flour, they taste fairly sweet!

It is harvest time and we are working on ways to not only preserve the harvest but also to use up nature's bounty while it is nice and fresh. Green smoothies are a great way to use up fresh produce. Plus, they are the perfect vehicle to deliver raw, digestible green vegetables to your children! We began giving green smoothies to our children when they were around nine months old. We always made them without lemon until they were at least twelve months old because citrus can sometimes be harsh on a baby's digestive system.

This recipe in not the traditional way to make pasta sauce using fresh tomatoes. I take the easy and fast route. I just don't have time to remove the skins and seeds from 20 pounds of tomatoes each time I make sauce! All you need to do is place fresh tomatoes into a blender and blend the seeds, skin, and all! Plus, this way we use the whole food—the whole tomato. Once you begin to make your own you'll never want to go back to store-bought pasta sauce!

We have a newborn baby in the house now and that means that our meals have changed a little. A few weeks ago our sweet new baby girl, Camille, arrived peacefully in our home by candlelight.....a successful VBAC at home! Our children were all there to witness her birth, though we couldn't really wake our 3-year old twin boys to be fully present. I put myself on a mildly restrictive breastfeeding elimination diet once she was born to help ease the transition into life outside the womb.

This creamy, refreshing soup is a great way to use up all of that zucchini growing in your garden! Or, perhaps you bought too much from the Farmer's Market and need more ideas on how to use it. This dairy-free zucchini soup doesn't use any type of cream, coconut milk, or nuts to make it creamy. Just a few tablespoons of white rice does the trick!

When you've taken the courageous step of removing inflammatory foods and potential sensitivities from your diet, your body enters a remarkable phase. One of renewal and receptivity. This is the replace phase. The time to fill your plate with foods that rebuild, repair, and restore. Replacing isn’t just about substitutions, it’s about intentional nourishment. This is where food becomes medicine—where digestion begins to strengthen, the microbiome starts to diversify, and the nervous system begins to regulate. It’s not simply about finding a gluten-free bread or a dairy-free milk. It’s about delivering the nutrients your cells need, soothing inflammation at its root, and laying the groundwork for deep healing. When you feed your body this kind of nourishment, food becomes more than sustenance—it becomes sacred medicine.

I know my blog posts have slowed down quite a bit lately. Remodeling a house, finishing a book, and being pregnant have taken up most of my time. I wanted to share this very easy, nourishing popsicle recipe with you and your children. These popsicles are sugar-free, sweetened only with the fruit itself. Ripe honeydew melon is very sweet, in fact, when I make these with the melon and mint alone, my children think they are too sweet! Adding the cucumber balances the flavors and adds nutrients like silica, and extra potassium and vitamin C.